A serious crash involving multiple police vehicles has shut down the A1 in both directions on Tyneside, leaving five people injured and causing major disruption for motorists.
The collision occurred at around 2.30am on Wednesday near Denton, Newcastle. Images from the scene show four marked police cars badly damaged, with one vehicle overturned and another with its roof torn off.
Debris was also scattered across the northbound carriageway.
According to the North East Ambulance Service, five people were taken to hospital following the incident. A spokesperson said, “Five patients were transported to hospital for further treatment.”
Emergency services responded in large numbers. “We sent five ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, and two hazardous area response team crews to the scene,” the spokesperson added. The Great North Air Ambulance Service also responded, attending the scene by road.
National Highways confirmed the road remains closed between junction 73 at Swalwell in Gateshead and junction 75 at Denton.
The agency warned of significant delays, with local roads such as the A19 becoming heavily congested.
The closure is a result of what National Highways described as a “multi-vehicle collision resulting in serious injuries.”
They added, “Due to the severity of the collision a full Northumbria Police investigation is under way, and they advise that it will be protracted.”
Officials expect the A1 to remain closed in both directions into the afternoon of Wednesday 9th April.
(Sky News)
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